Have your say on who should win the award. Whether they ride on the road, the track or the dirt, if they’re an Australian racing cyclist registered with Cycling Australia they’re eligible for the award.

A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine reveals that handlebar position is associated with changes in genital sensation in female cyclists.

Led by Marsha K. Guess, MD, MS, of Yale University School of Medicine, researchers evaluated bicycle set-up in terms of the relationship between the seat and the handlebars. 48 competitive women cyclists were studied.

Researchers measured saddle pressures and sensation in the genital region to see if placing handlebars in different positions affects pressure and sensation in the genital region. Results showed that placing the handlebar lower than the seat was associated with increased pressure on the genital region and decreased sensation (reduced ability to detect vibration).

“Modifying bicycle set-up may help prevent genital nerve damage in female cyclists,” Guess notes. “Chronic insult to the genital nerves from increased saddle pressures could potentially result in sexual dysfunction.”

“There are a myriad of factors affecting women’s sexual function. If women can minimize pressure application to the genital tissues merely by repositioning their handlebars higher, to increase sitting upright, and thereby maximize pressure application to the woman’s sit bones, then they are one step closer to maintaining their very important sexual health,” explained Irwin Goldstein, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

It will be a simple affair – a chance to sell, swap or acquire bike gear, with a sausage sizzle thrown in for good measure. It’s open to all cyclists – dragsters, commuters, vintage, track, MTB, road, BMX are all welcome. BBQ and good times on offer.

Jack Speare Park, Indooroopilly from 10am to noon.

Sunday 14 October.

A space is $5 for sellers, free entry for buyers.

It will be held at Jack Speare Park, Indooroopilly. Sellers arrive from 9:30am, buyers from 10am. More info at www.bikingbrisbane.com